Air China alliance

Together we’re opening up more of China.

Air New Zealand operates daily services between Auckland and Shanghai, and Air China operates daily services between Auckland and Beijing from October to February and four times a week March to September. Our alliance with Air China means both services can be easily booked through either airline.

Through the alliance, Air New Zealand customers also receive better access to Air China’s comprehensive domestic network. For Air China customers the alliance enhances access to Air New Zealand’s network, including Australia, Pacific Islands countries and South America, as well as domestic New Zealand flights.

Member benefits

Air New Zealand and Air China are Star Alliance members, so customers enjoy reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, such as earning and spending loyalty points and lounge access.

Airpoints™ members travelling between Auckland and Beijing can earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points at the same great rate as travelling on an Air New Zealand operated flight between Auckland and Shanghai.

Airpoints Elite and Gold members receive access to Star Alliance Gold lounges when travelling on our Star Alliance partners. In Beijing, Air China’s Business class lounge can be used when travelling on Air China to Auckland, with one guest as long as they have a boarding pass for a flight departing on the same day.

Elite Partners and Koru members will receive access to the Air New Zealand Lounge at Auckland International Airport when departing on NZ marketing flight numbers for services to Beijing operated by Air China. When departing Beijing on NZ marketed flight numbers to Auckland, Elite Partners and Koru members will be able to access Air China’s Business class lounge with a guest. As arrangements change from time to time, we encourage Elite Partners and Koru members to check the partner lounge directory prior to travelling.

Seat select

Paid seat select is only available on flights operated by the airline you’re booking through. It is not currently available on codeshare flights operated by other airlines.

Baggage allowance

On services operated by Air China to Beijing, carry on baggage rules are different. Economy passengers can only take 1 x 5kg carry on bag and Business passengers can take 2 x 8kg carry on bags.

Check baggage allowance on Air China operated flights is 2 x 23kg for economy class passengers; Airpoints Gold and Elite are entitled to 1 additional bag up to 23kg. Elite Partner and Koru members are not entitled to additional bags on Air China operated flights.

Check-in, meals, entertainment, travelling with children

At the airport, you check-in with the operating airline. For information on meals, entertainment, special assistance, travelling with children or infants, or children travelling alone, please contact the operating airline.

Air China

Air China is the designated flag carrier of China and joined the Star Alliance in December 2007. With a fleet comprised of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, Air China flies to 174 destinations.

Beijing joined our Shanghai service as another direct route from Auckland to China on 10 December 2015. This alliance partnership with Air China enables Air New Zealand to offer codeshare services to Beijing.

Airpoints Dollars and Status Points earn is determined by the Partner Airline which operates the flight. Status Points are only earned on Star Alliance carrier operated flights. Certain booking classes on Partner Airlines are not eligible to earn Airpoints Dollars or Status Points. On a Partner Airline flight, Airpoints Dollars and Status Points may be earned on a flight by flight basis rather than a journey basis. Please note booking class eligibility and earning rates are subject to change without notice and any changes will apply based on the date you travel. This information does not apply to other airline codeshare. Refer to the Airpoints™ terms and conditions more information.